When considering the purchase or adoption of a new dog breed, it can be important to do your research! Are Basset Hounds good with kids? Bassets are hunting dogs that are known for their very long and big ears as well as their gentle temperaments. They are often colored a mix of browns, blacks, and whites and grow to be medium-sized dogs. In terms of a family household, Basset Hounds are considered to be very safe and sweet family dogs (via Pet Net ID). Keep on reading to find out more about this dog breed and what kind of care this dog will need.
Basset Hound Personality Traits
Basset Hounds are originally a french breed and were originally bred for their amazing sense of smell. Outside of a hunting dog setting, they are intelligent, sweet, and occasionally stubborn dogs. With a somewhat stocky build, short legs, and a long body, their most identifiable features are their long ears and their droopy, albeit adorable eyes. They are known for having a loud, gruff bark, but they can be trained not to bark.
Why The Age Of Your Child Is Important
When bringing a new family pet into the home, the age of your child is a big factor. Having a young child with a pet in training can be a task. Be sure you have the time to train a young pup. While Basset Hounds are incredibly sweet dogs, they do need to be socialized to follow directions and not give in to their independent streak. Make sure you’re working with a breeder who is training the Basset before they start living with you. Alternatively, you can adopt a Basset as long as you know it has a history of training and seems to be well-socialized with children and adults alike. Overall, they are very sweet with children, so much so that Pet Educate recommends watching your young child with your new Basset Hound. Just be sure that they’re being gentle with their new furry friend!
What If My Child Is Allergic?
Basset Hounds are not hypoallergenic. This means that if you or anyone in your family has an allergy to dander or dog saliva, they are likely to have an allergy response to a Basset Hound. It should also be noted that Basset Hounds are frequent droolers and thus will be a major irritant if your child is allergic to dog saliva However, Bassets do have a pretty short-haired coat that doesn’t need much grooming so they do shed less than other dog breeds (via PetMD). Medication can be used to treat milder allergic reactions if this particular breed is still of interest to you.
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How Big Do Basset Hounds Get?
According to the American Kennel Club, while Basset Hounds don’t get very tall and are medium in size, they can be quite heavy. They can weigh anywhere from 40-75 pounds depending on their gender and how much exercise they get. It can take Basset hounds between 16 months to 2 years to be considered fully grown. This breed has colorations of tan, black, reddish brown, and white. It is called a “lemon coat” when there is no other coloration than white on a Basset Hound’s coat (via Basset Hound Breeders).
Energy Levels of Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are quite relaxed dogs that require minimal exercise to stay happy. They’ll enjoy playtime with your kids and can easily learn games like fetch and chase. Dog Time recommends giving your sweet new friend exercise in the form of play, with toys, or running around, to avoid weight gain.
How Much Does It Cost To Own A Basset Hound?
Basset Hounds vary in cost depending on your method of adoption. Purebred Bassets can be anywhere from $1,800 to $10,000 on the higher end. Not to mention the costs of equipment, toys, vaccinations, check-ups, and food. Adopting can be far less though it might be harder to find a puppy for adoption. Adoption prices range from $150 to $450 depending on where you are adopting from (via Dog Temperament).
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What To Know About Basset Hounds
Basset Hounds are an investment but they are worth it in all the ways they make a fantastic family pet. They are sweet and gentle with children, and with training are social and playful. Allergies can be dealt with and they are relatively low maintenance in terms of exercise and grooming. If you’re looking for your next furry friend, a Basset Hound might be a great choice for a beginner-friendly and family-friendly pet breed.
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